Gunman Accused of Killing Two at Titusville Hospital Was Waiting For Mental Health Evaluation

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Gunman Accused of Killing Two at Titusville Hospital Was Waiting For Mental Health Evaluation

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

The gunman accused of shooting and killing two women at a Titusville hospital on July 17, 2016, was awaiting a court-ordered mental evaluation, according to authorities. The gunman, David Owens, had a long history of mental health problems and it is believed that he sought help over eight times. That exam was still pending when he shot and killed two people at Parrish Medical Center.

Long-Term Care for Mentally Ill.

The gunman’s mother told authorities that she had been trying to get her mentally ill son long-term care for years. She claimed he talked of killing and that she felt her life, and those of others, was in danger, and begged he be sent to a mental hospital.

Reviews of State Laws.

Former chief judge and current WFTV legal analyst Belvin Perry believes there needs to be a comprehensive review of state law. “If the laws are not there, then no judge can say, ‘Let's force him to take his meds,’” said Perry. He also said people need avenues of help much sooner than a court-mandated examination. He cited lack of funding for mental health and said, “We really need to evaluate the laws to make sure we protect the patients’ rights, get them help and protect society.”

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in the Representation of Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, and Marital and Family Therapists.

We have had mental health professionals who became victims of completely unreasonable demands from their clients/patients (house sitting, pet sitting, etc.), stalking by their clients/patients, identity theft and computer hacking by their clients/patients. Don’t become a victim yourself.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm can assist and advise you in dealing with difficult clients/patients. We can stop stalking, cyber-stalking and harassment. We can respond to client/patient letters. We can defend you if a client/patient files a complaint against you.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida area. www.TheHealthLawfirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone; (407) 331-6620.

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